Scotland in the EU and in Brexit Britain? Don't rule it out, says Sturgeon

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Nicola Sturgeon said there are options to explore (Source: BBC)

Lynsey Barber

Scotland could remain a part of the European Union as well as a part of a non-member UK, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

"I don't think that should be ruled out" said Sturgeon, speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday morning when asked if that situation was a possibility.

"We're in uncharted territory and when you're in uncharted territory, with effectively a blank sheet of paper in front of you, then you have the opportunity to try to think things that might previously have been unthinkable and shape the future," she said.

"So I think there are opportunities there. The positive outcome of the meeting I had with the Prime Minster on Friday was that she was prepared to listen to options the Scottish government would bring forward to give effect to how Scotland voted and we will certainly bring forward options," she continued.

Sturgeon met with new Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday and agreed Article 50 would not be triggered until a UK-wide approach is agreed.

"I'm willing to listen to options and I've been very clear with the First Minister today that I want the Scottish government to be fully engaged in our discussion," said May, following the meeting.

Asked if this gave Scotland a veto over when Article 50 will be triggered, Sturgeon said:

"That certainly appeared to be an interpretation that some put on the Prime Minister's remarks and certainly from what was said at that meeting, it puts Scotland in a very strong position" when it comes to Brexit negotiations, adding it's a position she will use "as well as I can".

However, in comments following Sturgeon's appearance, new Brexit chief David Davis countered by saying Scotland did not have a veto over any deal and dismissed the suggestion that Scotland could be both a part of the EU and in the UK.

On a second Scottish Independence referendum, Sturgeon said:

"If we can not protect our interests within a UK that is going to be changing fundamentally, then that right of Scotland to consider the option of independence always has to be there.

"Of course, that in itself will also bring challenges and decisions that we have to make, but that is an option we have to have, if that's what it takes to protect our position."